Known as the "City of Nawabs," Lucknow boasts a rich heritage shaped by centuries of Mughal and Awadhi influences. While its historical significance is unquestionable, what truly sets Lucknow apart is its exceptional culinary legacy, offering a tantalising array of flavours and aromas that beckon food enthusiasts from around the world. If you want to experience why the city enchants everybody with its cuisine, here are the best places to visit in Lucknow for a taste of it:
When in Lucknow, embarking on a culinary adventure without trying the iconic Lucknawi Biryani would be a culinary sin. Biryani, with its fragrant rice, aromatic spices, and tender pieces of meat, is a symbol of Nawabi opulence. The slow-cooked perfection of this dish results in an explosion of flavours with every bite. What makes Lucknawi biryani unique is its delicate balance of spices, making it aromatic but not overly spicy. While there are various types of biryani available in Lucknow, three varieties stand out as absolute must-tries.
Mutton Biryani: Succulent mutton pieces are marinated and slow-cooked with fragrant rice and spices that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Veg Handi Dum Biryani: Vegetarians need not miss out on the biryani experience. This version features an array of fresh vegetables cooked to perfection with aromatic rice and spices.
Awadhi Biryani: This regional speciality stays true to Lucknow's culinary heritage. Its unique preparation method is characterised by marinating the meat in yoghourt and a blend of spices before slow-cooking it with basmati rice.
One of the best places to visit in Lucknow to experience the epitome of Lucknawi Biryani, head to Idrees Biryani (opposite Pata Nala, Jauhari Mohalla, Raja Bazar, Police Chowki). This legendary shop does not have the fanciest of interiors, housing only a few tables, but is a favourite among discerning foodies.
Lucknow's streets are steeped in history and adorned with the rich heritage of kebabs that have stood the test of time. These succulent treats are the pride of Lucknow's culinary culture and are undoubtedly the best street food there is. The quintessential Lucknawi kebabs are known for their crispy exteriors that yield irresistibly tender and flavourful interiors. While meat lovers have an array of options to choose from, vegetarians need not fret, as there are delectable veggie alternatives available. Here are some of the kebabs you must savour in Lucknow:
Galouti Kebabs: These melt-in-your-mouth kebabs are a testament to the culinary expertise of Lucknow. Prepared using finely ground meat and an array of spices, they are a gastronomic revelation.
Tundey Kebabs: The iconic Tundey Kebabs are a symbol of Lucknawi culinary heritage. Named after their creator, Haji Murad Ali, these kebabs are renowned for their unmatched taste and consistency.
Veg Shami Kebabs: Lucknow doesn't disappoint vegetarian palates, either. Veg Shami Kebabs are a flavourful blend of lentils and spices, creating a delightful vegetarian option.
To savour these culinary gems, visit establishments like Sakhawat Restaurant (Avenue, Near Oudh Gymkhana Club, Kaiserbagh Officer's Colony, Qaisar Bagh) and Tunday Kababi (Old Nazirabad Rd, Mohan Market, Khayali Ganj, Aminabad).
Amidst the savoury treasures of Lucknow's culinary landscape, Sheermal stands out as a unique and delightful sweet naan. This delicacy, steeped in history, adds a touch of sweetness to the city's vibrant food scene. Sheermal, with its distinctive flavour and aroma, is a beloved accompaniment to many traditional Awadhi and Mughlai dishes. The story of Sheermal traces its origins to Persia and its journey through Afghanistan, Pakistan, and eventually India along the Silk Route.
What makes Sheermal special is its sweet and aromatic composition. Crafted from cardamom-flavoured milk and saffron, this tandoori naan offers a delightful contrast to the spicy and savoury dishes it accompanies. Whether you're enjoying kebabs, biryani, or kormas, Sheermal adds a touch of sweetness to each bite.
For an authentic Sheermal experience, visit Salmaan Sheermal Wale (Chawal Wali Gali, Old Nakkas, Chowk) and Raheem's Sheermal (Opposite Tahseen Masjid, Chowk), located in the heart of the city.
For those with a penchant for meaty indulgence, Kulcha Nihari must not be missed. Nihari, a rich and flavourful mutton gravy, finds its soulmate in kulchas, dense leavened bread that complements the dish perfectly. One of the best places to visit in Lucknow to experience the magic of Kulcha Nihari is Raheem's Kulcha Nahari (located in Akbarigate), located next to the Chowk branch of Tunday Kababi. Locally known as Raheem ki Nihari, this dish has become a tradition for meat lovers during significant occasions like Ramzan. The succulent mutton gravy pairs harmoniously with the soft, fluffy kulchas, creating a culinary experience that lingers in your memory.
Basket Chaat, a quintessential Indian street food, takes on various avatars across different states, each offering its unique twist on this beloved dish. In Lucknow, Basket Chaat combines the best of flavours, textures, and tastes. This street food sensation is a popular choice among locals and visitors alike. The Basket Chaat features a potato shell brimming with crushed Tikkis, tangy and spicy chutneys, and a medley of vegetables, often including peas. This delectable concoction manages to be both satisfying and full of zest. It perfectly represents Lucknow's culinary philosophy—rich, diverse, and full of character.
The best places to visit in Lucknow for a delicious chaat experience are to Shukla Chaat House (Church Building, 11, Shahnajaf Rd, Hazratganj, Lucknow) or Royal Cafe (Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Sushanpura, Hazratganj), also located in Hazratganj.